Storm Ali Update

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity has chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government's resilience committee to receive an update on the impact of Storm Ali on Scotland.

High winds have caused disruption throughout the southern half of the country and parts of the north east coast. The Met Office's amber warning has now expired, but the entire country remains under yellow warning for high winds until late on Wednesday evening.

Both the Scottish Government's Resilience Room (SGoRR) as well as the Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) at the National Traffic Control Centre at South Queensferry have been up and running since early this morning, providing assistance to partner organisations throughout the weather event.

Chairing the meeting from the control centre, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said:

"I have closely monitored developments throughout day, receiving regular updates from the Scottish Government's Resilience Room, as well as the Multi-Agency Response Team, on the impacts of Storm Ali.

"As predicted there has been disruption to transport, with the rail network being hit particularly hard by these high winds. Whilst the disruption to travellers is regrettable, I would like to thank everyone who heeded the travel advice, as well as the many emergency response staff who have worked tirelessly to attend to challenges throughout the day.

"With the Met Office's yellow warning for high winds remaining in place for the whole of the country until late this evening, I'd urge people to continue to check the latest information before they set off, drive to the conditions and follow Police advice. Those travellers using other modes of transport should continue to check with their operators to see if their services are affected.

"Both the Scottish Government's Resilience Room as well as the Multi-Agency Response Team in South Queensferry will remain operational for as long as is required."